While politics often gets the blame for economic ups and downs, the reality is far more complex—and that’s where economist Lauren Saidel-Baker comes in. On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Lauren, an expert at ITR Economics, a firm that’s been analyzing market trends since 1948.
Jonathan’s conversation with Lauren dives into how ITR Economics forecasts market shifts and what those predictions mean for real estate investors. Lauren shares her path from asset management into economic forecasting, offering expertise on how politics, natural disasters, and demographic trends can influence the market. She outlines what might be ahead in 2025, how to spot opportunities during downturns, and why staying informed is crucial to making wise decisions, especially in real estate.
Jonathan and Lauren drill down further on the following:
- ITR Economics relies on historical data and leading indicators to forecast economic trends, removing political narratives from their analysis. This approach helps investors plan more clearly and confidently.
- Lauren shares that 2025 is expected to be a year of growth, particularly for residential construction.
- A more sobering prediction is the economic downturn forecasted for the 2030s, which Lauren attributes to demographic trends and growing federal obligations.
- Certain asset classes, like multifamily rentals and data centers, show strong potential for the future.
Understanding basic economics can help you better understand shifts in the real estate market. Lauren Saidel-Baker offers a basic tutorial with tips on preparing for an economic downturn.
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